Are you writing History in your NECO (SSCE or GCE) exam this year? The NECO History syllabus helps you know where all your NECO History questions will be asked from.
You will see the NECO History exam structure, full list of syllabus topics, areas of concentration, and study tips on History in the NECO exam this year.
ALSO SEE: HOW TO PASS NECO BIOLOGY EXAM
Let’s begin..
NECO History Exam Structure
The exam is divided into two papers:
Paper 1
- Paper 1 is a multiple-choice test.
- Contains 50 questions.
- Covers West Africa and the wider world from the earliest times to the year 2000.
- Time allowed: 1 hour.
- Total marks: 40.
- Requires familiarity with key facts and concepts in history.
- Questions should be answered quickly and efficiently.
Paper 2
- Paper 2 is an essay-based exam.
- Time allowed: 2 hours.
- Questions focus on the history of specific countries.
- Total marks: 60.
- Emphasis on national histories of specific West African countries.
- Covers the same period as Paper 1.
Paper 2 Structure
Paper 2 contains questions on the histories of specific countries, with three sections for each country. These sections are divided according to different historical periods:
Section A covers the earliest times to 1800.
Section B focuses on the 19th century.
Section C explores the 20th century, from 1900 to 2000.
Each section has three questions. Answer four in total, with at least one from each section, to show your knowledge across periods and themes.
Each answer in Paper 2 will carry a portion of the total 60 marks, so take the time to plan your answers and make sure you address all parts of the question.
See NECO History Syllabus
Here are the History topics and areas of concentration under each topic, which you must study according to the official NECO syllabus.
WEST AFRICA AND THE WIDER WORLD FROM EARLIEST TIMES TO 2000
1. Historiography and Historical
Skills
- What is History and why do we study?
- Sources of History;
- Historical skills (ancient and modern approaches);
- Prospect of ICT in historical studies.
2. Trans – Saharan Trade
- Origin, organization and the effects on the development of West African states.
3. Islam in West Africa
- Introduction, spread and effects.
4. European Contact with West Africa
- Reasons for their coming, immediate effects and West African reaction
5. Trans-Atlantic slave trade
- Origin, organization, effects and suppression.
6. Christian Missionary Activities in West Africa
- The suppression of slave trade.
- Christian Missionary activities and their impact on West Africa.
7. The Scramble for and Partition of West Africa
- The industrial revolution, scramble for colonies, colonial subjugation, occupation and West African reaction.
8. Colonial Rule in West Africa
- Patterns of colonial rule, consolidation of European culture in Africa, colonial economy and the underdevelopment of Africa: colonial Africa and the two World Wars
9. Problems of independent West African States
- Nature of politics: neo-colonialism and economic underdevelopment, unequal development within states and instability, the Military in West African politics,boundary disputes and threat to West African Unity.
10. West Africa and international organizations
- United Nations Organization (U.N.O.)/United Nations (U.N);
- Organization of African Unity (O.A.U)/African Union (A.U.);
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS); Etc.
- Membership, aims and objectives, achievements and failures.
SECTION A: NIGERIA FROM EARLIEST TIMES TO 1800
1. Historiography and historical skills
- What is History and why we study History; sources of History;
- Historical skills (ancient and modern approaches);
- Prospect of ICT in Historical Studies.
2. Land and peoples of Nigeria
- Main geographical zones in Nigeria: impact of the environment on human activities e.g. hunting, fishing, farming, etc.
3. Centers of ancient civilization
- Nok, Ife, Igbo Ukwu, Benin.
4. Centralized and non-centralized states
- Centralized and non-centralized states
- Inter-group relations: economic activities, intermarriages, bilingualism, etc.
- Impact of migrations; wars and politics on inter- group relations.
5. Indigenous crafts and industries
- Pottery, salt making, iron working, gold mining, soap making, leather works, weaving, carving, bronze casting, tie and dyeing, bead making, boat building – technology; social and economic importance.
6. External Influences
- Contact with North Africa: trans-Saharan trade, Islam(Borno and Hausaland) and impact
- Early European contact with coastal states; trade, Christianity and impact .
7. Nigeria and the trans-Atlantic slave trade
- Origin, organization and effects
SECTION B: NIGERIA IN THE 19TH CENTURY
8. The Sokoto Caliphate
- Establishment, administration, relations with its neighbours and impact of the Sokoto jihad on Nigeria.
9. Borno under the Shehus
- The emergence of El-Kanemi, developments under El-Kanemi and Shehu Umar, development under the later Shehus, the fall of Borno
10. Christian Missionary Activities
- Activities, impact
11. Yorubaland in the 19th century
- Era of Ibadan dominance; increased British pressure on Yorubaland
12. Benin in the 19th century
13. The first phase of the British conquest of Nigeria: 1851-1900
SECTION C: NIGERIA FROM 1900 TO 2000
14. The second phase of the British conquest in Nigeria 1900- 1960
- The early phase 1900-1914: the amalgamation of 1914 and its significance
- Later phase 1914-1960
15. The decolonization process in Nigeria, 1922-1960
- Origin of nationalism, nationalist movements after the Second World War, the road to and the attainment of independence.
16. Nigeria since independence
- The First Republic, 1960-1966;
- The coups d’etat, military rule, civil war and reconstruction, 1966-1975;
- The military administration – Murtala/Obasanjo regime of 1975-1979;
- The Second Republic, 1979-1983;
- The return of military rule – Buhari/Idiagbon regime, 1983-1984;
- The Ibrahim Babangida regime, 1985-1993;
- Interim national government and Abacha regime, 1993-1998;
- Transition to fourth republic and Olusegun Obasanjo administration;
- Emerging issues up to 2000: poverty, corruption, youth unemployment, religious crisis, terrorism, etc.
17. Nigeria and international organizations
- United Nations Organization (U.N.O.)/United Nations (U.N);
- Commonwealth of Nations;
- Organization of Unity (O.A.U)/African Union (A.U.);
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS);
- Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
18. Global issues
- West Africa in Diaspora; Racism, Debt relief and International aids;
- Peacekeeping and socio-political interest of developed societies;
- World peace (armament, nuclear science); Millennium Development Goals (MDGS).
Smart Study Tips for NECO History
- Create a weekly study timetable covering all topics.
- Group related topics together for easier understanding.
- Learn and memorize key definitions, dates, and events.
- Practice essay and multiple-choice questions regularly.
- Use NECO History past questions alongside the syllabus.
- Time yourself when answering practice questions.
FAQs
Q: Is the NECO History syllabus the same as WAEC?
A: They are similar but not the same. Always use the NECO version when preparing for NECO exams.
Q: Where can I download the syllabus PDF?
A: You can get it from syllabus.ng or ask your school to print a copy.
Summary on NECO History Syllabus
History is a bonus subject if you follow the NECO syllabus and prepare smartly.
With this guide, you should have a good idea of what to expect in the NECO History Exam.
Good luck, and remember to review key events, practice writing essays, and sharpen your multiple-choice skills.
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